“EC Representative Praises Bulgaria and Romania for Their Seamless Schengen Accession”

BRUSSELS – Olivier Onidi, head of the European Commission (EC) overseeing matters related to the Schengen Zone, expressed that the integration of Bulgaria and Romania into Schengen has yielded positive outcomes and has proceeded smoothly in both nations. This statement was made during an address to the Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs.

Onidi emphasized that Bulgaria and Romania have set a commendable precedent for other countries aspiring for Schengen membership. He indicated that by the end of this year, Cyprus will aim to fulfill the necessary requirements and may join Schengen as early as next year. Additionally, he noted that Ireland is interested in adopting Schengen regulations, and the EC is collaborating with Western Balkan nations to facilitate their future integration into Schengen once they finalize their EU accession negotiations.

He pointed out that 40 percent of global cross-border travel occurs within the Schengen area, highlighting its significant role in bolstering the European Union’s economic growth. By the year’s end, the EC anticipates releasing an evaluation detailing the economic advantages of Schengen membership, Onidi stated.

Onidi also reported that each year, one billion border crossings occur at Schengen borders, and the EU issues 10 million Schengen visas. He acknowledged that further efforts are necessary to fully digitalize the processes associated with Schengen’s functioning.

At the end of last month, the EC released a report assessing the status of the borderless area, asserting that the complete inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania into Schengen significantly boosts the EU economy, with projections indicating that the two nations could save billions in operational costs. This integration follows an 18-year process, marking the beginning of this year as the point at which both countries fully joined Schengen. The report emphasizes the substantial benefits that the Schengen area provides to the EU and its citizens, serving as the backbone of the internal European market and improving the lives of nearly 450 million individuals. Last year alone, over half a billion visitors traveled within the Schengen Zone, further stimulating economic growth, the commission added. (May 12)


Comments

6 responses to ““EC Representative Praises Bulgaria and Romania for Their Seamless Schengen Accession””

  1. Knock Out Star Avatar
    Knock Out Star

    Isn’t it just fabulous how Bulgaria and Romania have finally found their way into Schengen, after only 18 years of *slight* delays? 🕰️ I suppose they were just busy perfecting the art of waiting in line—truly inspirational! 😏✈️

  2. Bleach Avatar

    Blimey, who knew it only took 18 years and a sprinkle of bureaucratic magic for Bulgaria and Romania to become the poster kids of Schengen? Maybe next, we can work on making the trains run on time too! 🚄💨

  3. Pepper Avatar

    Oh, splendid news! Who knew that 18 years of bureaucratic tango could lead to such a “seamless” integration? Maybe next, we can get a medal for showing up on time! 🥇😂

  4. sweet bacon Avatar
    sweet bacon

    Oh, look at that! Bulgaria and Romania finally got their Schengen gold stars—who knew it only took 18 years and a few positive affirmations? 🇧🇬🇷🇴 Must be nice to be a precedent for others; I suppose Cyprus will be taking notes on how to ace the Schengen exam. 🎓😂

  5. b@d b0y Avatar
    b@d b0y

    Oh, splendid! Just what we needed—Bulgaria and Romania as the poster children for Schengen integration. Who knew that after 18 years of waiting, a bureaucrat would finally hand them a shiny gold star? 🌟😏

  6. heavenly connection Avatar
    heavenly connection

    Oh, splendid! Who knew that 18 years of waiting and a mountain of paperwork would lead to such a “seamless” integration? Bravo, Bulgaria and Romania! I can practically hear the border guards sighing in relief from here. 😏✨

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